In LEAPS-INNOV, two technology work packages explored innovation procurement approaches for procuring R&D for technologies relevant for the LEAPS community. In WP3 -Superflat PCP was investigated for procuring novel polishing techniques for flat X-ray mirrors by a LEAPS buyers’ group while in WP5 competitive dialogue was used to procure advanced nano-positioning devices.
In the two-hour workshop we would like to present the procurement actions from a legal, purchasing, and “scientific user” perspective and roll out the acquired knowledge into the LEAPS community.
Pre-commercial procurement PCP: In PCP, public procurers buy R&D from several competing suppliers in parallel to compare alternative solution approaches and identify the best value for money solutions that the market can deliver to address their needs. R&D is split into phases (solution design, prototyping, original development and validation/testing of a limited set of first products) with the number of competing R&D providers being reduced after each R&D phase. One of the biggest advantages of PCP is the sharing of both opportunities and risks by both the public buyers and the private suppliers. It allows public purchasers to get innovative solutions to satisfy challenging needs, and support companies in their R&D.
Competitive dialogue procurement: Competitive Dialogue allows bidders to submit initial solutions after being successful at the selection stage. It allows you to negotiate proposed solutions with bidders. This may help to open up cross-border markets by encouraging bidders to discuss possible solutions.
